In a surreal development that Dali would no doubt approve of, China Merchants Zhangzhou visited the town of Cadaques in Spain to photograph buildings and take measurements to ensure that his town is as authentic as possible.

The company has since found a spot in China that is geographically similar to the original location, which features gently sloping hills and a sheltered bay.

Building work is expected to start in September or October, a spokesman told the Guardian.